Pension, budget top issues in Oceanside race

Five candidates - including two incumbents - are running for two council seats

“Rather than say, “I am an independent voter,” look at my voting record,” he said. “I’ve upset everyone on the council. Is it fair that they take one decision I’ve made and say that’s my record, or rather, look at my entire voting record and see that I vote based on the issue?”

Lowery said the city’s budget problems is a major issue, and he would recommend that future cuts be made by emphasizing how they would effect the community, not just their dollar amounts. He argues against further cuts to police and fire.

“Pension reform is part of the mix, but it’s not all of the mix,” said Martin, a former mayor of Birmingham, Mich. “It’s been turned into this taxpayer versus city employee battle, and they (Kern and Felien) keep bashing these employees like they are bad people.”

Martin said he sees the city’s sewer situation and the city’s reliance on consultants as major issues. Both have been raised at council meetings, especially that of the city’s aging sewer infrastructure. The council last month voted to increase sewer rates to pay for improvements. City officials admitted that proactive sewer replacement has not been a priority in recent years.

“We can get fined thousands for a sewer leak,” Martin said.

Pinnavaia, a self-employed gemologist, sought to be on the ballot, but failed to gather enough signatures of registered voters. As a write-in candidate, he said he stands for ending the standoff within City Hall between elected officials and the public safety unions, as well as creating tax-free enterprise zones to boost business development.